St. Vincent De Paul Annual Church Gate Collection  this weekend 8^th & 9^th June in all Churches. Many thanks for your continued support.

Saturday 8^th June 2019

►Sacrament of the Sick & Healing Mass at 12 noon in Church of Our Lady, Blessington. There will be tea & coffee served in the Coimin Centre after Mass.

Sunday 9^th June 2019

►Children’s Church at 10am Mass in Church of Our Lady for children aged 5 to 10 years. Helpers needed for Children’s Church. 1 hour every fortnight. Info: Nuala 085 1221561

►Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s Hall from 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Free Car Park, Tea & Coffee.

Monday 10^th June 2019

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass. (ex Bank Holidays)

►Blessington & District Forum meet at 8pm in St Mary’s Junior School. All Welcome

►Neighbourhood Collection Envelopes for June are due, we would appreciate it collectors could drop the envelopes into the Parish Office

Tuesday 11^th June 2019

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

►Active Retirement Association at 2.30pm

Wednesday 12^th June 2019

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Bethany Bereavement Support group available for caring confidential support from 8pm to 9pm no appointment necessary.

Thursday 13^th June 2019

►Coimin Management Meeting 7pm

►Blessington PPC Meeting 8pm

Sunday 16^th June 2019

►Manor Kilbride Graveyard Mass at 3pm

Bishop Eamonn Walsh will celebrate 11.15am Mass in St. Joseph’s Church Valleymount Sun 23^rd June. This will be followed by a Blessing of THE MEMORY GARDEN at the front of The Parochial House. The garden is to commemorate the memory of the families who were displaced & affected by the flooding of the Valley 1939/1940

The family of the late Thomas Miley would like to thank everyone most sincerely for their kind expression of sympathy on the passing of Tom. Thank you to relatives, neighbours & friends who called to the house & so many of you brought food words cannot express how grateful we are. Thank you to all who attended Tom’s Funeral Mass & sent cards. Special thanks to Fr. Richard Behan, Deacon Gerry Malone, Jerry McEvoy, Tracey, Shane & Caroline for their beautiful Singing. Thank you to Tony & Regina Clarke & the Staff & Management of Tulfarris Hotel. A Mass will be offered for your Intentions. Thomas’ Months Mind Mass will be Sunday 9^th June at 11.15am in Valleymount Church.

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: Martin Burke (A) Martin, Theresa & John O’Hara (A) Dick Byrne (A) Thomas Miley (Month’s Mind) Mick Curran (A)

Sunday 10am

John Crickley (A), Tom Cullen (A)

We also Remember the following:

Des Kennedy, Christopher Brady,

Kathleen Balfe (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: James Patton (RD)

Paddy Barry (RD)

Wednesday: Special Living Int, Birthday Rem

Thursday: Eucharistic Service

Friday: Des Kennedy (A), Thomas Miley (RD)

Hearing Aid Found in Aldi car park on Saturday Afternoon, 1st June 2019. Please contact the Parish Office on 045 865 327.

Lost/Missing female white/cream Cockapoo in Lacken. Missing since Monday 3^rd June, answers to the name; Flo. Please call Siobhan 086 814 0870

 Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

ECUMENICAL BIBLE WEEK  Coimín Centre Blessington

 “Always Be Ready to give an answer…… for the Hope that you Possess” (1 Peter 3:15)

Monday 10^th June 7.30pm to 9pm

Beatitudes: A Way of Life, a Way of Looking Speaker Seán Goan

Tuesday 11^th June 7.30pm to 9pm

Accounting for the Hope that is in us Speaker Nick Park

Wednesday 12^th June 7.30pm to 9pm

Luke’s Teaching on Prayer & the Lord’s Prayer Speaker: Kieran O’Mahony

Further Info from Blessington Parish Office – 045 865 327

Men’s Health Week 10^th to 16^th June Mind Our Men (M.O.M) Blessington are hosting a tailored 12-week fitness / activity programme for males of all ages and capabilities. This is a free programme that you can follow on your own with weekly plans emailed to you. If you can make a little time to try this then please take that time. Email : mindourmen2019@gmail.com to sign up.  Men’s Health Matters. Make the Time….Take the Time

Hollywood Centre Social Night on Sat 15^th June, dancing from 9pm to Midnight. Music by “Done & Dusted” Adm €10.  Students €5 Refreshments served

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm. New members always welcome.

Lakeside Heritage Weekend 21^st to 23^rd June Valleymount Community Hall. Diary of Events to follow. Monster Raffle in aid of St Joseph’s Church & Community Hall. Cards available from Marie Mc Donald.

Tai Chi Classes (in aid of the Coimin Centre) every Tuesday from 3pm to 4pm in HD Fitness (under the Lemon Tree). Suitable for all ages & levels of fitness, this is a gentle form of exercise which improves coordination, balance, joint mobility & core strength. We ask participants to make a €3 contribution for the Centre.

Lugnaquilla – Eamonn Murray Memorial Charity Walk on Sun 23^rd June at 2pm Leaving from Fenton’s Bar at 2pm. Donations on the day please for St Brigid’s Hospice.

Councillor Gerry O’Neill. I sincerely thank the people of Blessington, Kilbride, Lacken & Valleymount for their huge support & endorsement in the recent Local Election’s.  The volume of support went beyond all expectations & I am honoured to be elected to represent the people in Wicklow County Council for another five-year term.

Blessington Community Awards 2019 The Avon, Blessington Friday 7th June at 7:30pm

Free Admission – Finger Food & Entertainment. Celebrity MC

THE NOMINEES

Young Person of the Year

Kevin Russell, Philip Byrne,

Sheila Naughton.

Carer of the Year

Breda O’Brien, Brid Murphy, Maggie Ryan, Maria Bohan.

Community Group of the Year

Blessington AFC,

Blessington Men’s Shed,

Blessington Tidy Towns,

Blessington Youth Theatre,

Citizens Information Centre,

Community Pool for West Wicklow,

West Wicklow Cancer Support Group.

Person of the Year 

Callum Martin-Flynn, Catherine Behan, Paul Tyrrell, Siobhan Flockton

Summer Bridge at Blessington Lakes Golf Club, Baltyboys, Valleymount. Starting Wed 12^th June at 7.30pm sharp. All Bridge Players Welcome

Michael Dwyers Hurlers Finn Behan, Brian Richardson & Thomas Walshe along with their parents Thank you most sincerely for supporting their recent table quiz, amount raised was €1100. Good luck to the boys & Michael Dwyers who travel to Cork on Friday 7^th June to take part in the All-Ireland Féile 2019. Go n-éirí on bóthar leat.

FETE & BARBEQUE in St John the Baptist Church Cloughleagh on Sat 15^th June from 12 noon to 4pm. Gourmet Barbeque & Crepes, Cakes, Plants, Books, Crafts, Raffle, Kid’s Corner, Face Painting. Adm €5 (incl tea) Children Free. Come & Join the Fun in this beautiful location & enjoy lovely food, homemade goodies & excellent stalls. Donations most welcome

RAGGED COMPANY playing live Sat 15^th June from 9pm in Marquee Avon Blessington. Adm €10 at the door, in aid of Blessington Day Care Centre. A night not to be missed!! Bring your dancing shoes, it’s going to be a late night!

Date For your Diary – Supper/Dance in Conjunction with Hollywood Fair (Ballroom Of Romance) in Hollywood Centre on Saturday 20^th July. Food Served at 8pm. Dancing until Midnight, music by THE WICKLOW MAN.  Adm €20. This is the Senior Citizens/ Friendship Clubs contribution to The Fair. Great night assured!!!

A Beautiful Celebration of Music featuring emerging classical artists on Thursday 27^th June at 7.30pm in the Moat Theatre Naas 045 883 030. Tickets €10. Proudly supporting “Make a Wish” and “The Irish Cancer Society”

Cruthú Art Group has now reopened at Russborough for the Summer Season from 11am to 5pm on weekends & Bank Holidays.  We will also open Fridays & selected days later in Summer.  If you have any enquiries about our work, please email cruthuart@gmail.com Drop in anytime to view unique locally produced art & crafts. www.cruthu.ie

Blessington GAA Club is pleased to announce a Golf Classic as one of the big 2019 fundraisers, taking place on Friday 12^th July in Craddockstown Golf Club. Cost is €300 for a team of 4 including the round of golf, dinner & plenty of prizes!! The day promises lots of fun, during and after!! Book early to ensure your preferred tee time by contacting one of the following: Arthur Hennessy 087 239 6157, Emer McIntyre Reape 087 226 2286, Lenny Gilligan 085 804 1731, John Williamson 086 825 6556

April Winners of Valleymount Church Renovation Fund Draw: John Holmes, Nellie Reid, Austin Breslin, Peter & Marie McDonald, Mary & Seamus Kavanagh.

May Winners: Frances Byrne, John Holmes, Alice Stone, Joe Miley Senior, Mairead & Seamus Graham. €100 each

Blessington GAA U14’s

Church Gate Collection this weekend

Saturday 25^th May 2019

► Comhghairdeas le gach buachaill agus cailín i nGaelscoil na Lochanna Congratulations to the Boys & Girls who will receive 1^st Holy Communion today in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Sunday 26^th May 2019

►Annual Pilgrimage to Knock leaving the Square Blessington (outside the Downshire Hotel) at 8am Sharp. Info, Mary: 087 6061 729

►Blessington Tidy Towns and Forum Annual Community Clean Up. Meet at 8.45am outside Credit Union.  We are hoping volunteers will come out in force as we make a big effort to prepare for the annual Tidy Towns judging.  Please text Michael Sargent if you can help 086 244 3640 or email michael@gsw.ie

►Hollywood Mass Rock pilgrimage will start in the Church car park at 7am proceeding to the Mass Rock where Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Eamonn Walsh upon arrival at Corragh at 9am (approx) All are welcome.

►Country Market from 10am to 3pm Valleymount Community Hall.

Monday 27^th May 2019

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass. (ex Bank Holidays)

►Children’s Choir 1^st Rehearsal from 3pm to 3.45pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Tuesday 28^th May 2019

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 29^th May 2019

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

Thursday 30^th May 2019

►West Wicklow Cancer Support – Drop in Meeting. “Have you been touched by Cancer, Self-care & making time for you” An evening of meditation, stillness & mindfulness into everyday living so as to achieve greater peace of mind & freedom. Hosted by artist & therapist Margot Ussher on Thursday 30^th May at 7.30pm in the Coimin Centre, Blessington. No charge, all are welcome & do feel free to bring a friend. Contact 087 434 6004 or email: westwicklow15@gmail.com

Friday 31^st May 2019

►Blessington Men’s Shed monthly fundraising dance in the Avon Hotel on Friday 31^st May. Music by Brian Mc Dermott. Admission €10. Dancing 9.30pm to 12. Spot prizes on the night

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday 6pm: Barney Kavanagh (RD) Larry Smith (2^nd A)

Sunday 10am: Molly & Tom Hamilton (A) Nick Dunne (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Eucharistic Service

Wednesday: Mass Bouquet, Mass Bouquet

Thursday: Birthday Rem, Get Well Int

Friday: Paul Lynch (RD) Noel Eustace (RD)

The family of the late Maisie Miley, Baltyboys, would like to thank everyone most sincerely for their kind expression of sympathy on the passing of our mother. Thank you to relatives, neighbours & friends who called to the house & to so many of you laden with cakes & sandwiches; words cannot express how grateful we are. Thank you to all who attended the funeral Mass and sent Mass cards, many thanks to Valleymount GAA for their guard of honour and traffic management. A special thank you to Fr Behan for his many visits. Thank you to Lorraine and Richie Willoughby and to Harry Farrington for their beautiful singing. Thank you to Tony & Regina Clarke and to the staff & management of Tulfarris Hotel. A Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Manor Kilbride Graveyard Sunday 16^th June (Please note our new & permanent date)

Sum of Money found on Tues 21^st May (Near Deerpark Close) Contact 087 959 8409

Daffodil Day 2019: with your help we raised €9,109. Thank you so much from Julieann Byrne, Caroline Byrne & Christine Hughes. Looking forward to your help next year.

Helpers needed to help supervise children during Children’s Church.  Only 1 hour every fortnight. Please contact Nuala 085 122 161 if you may be available to help out on occasion.

 Two Children’s Church dates remaining before summer break – June 9th and 30^th at 10am Mass in Church of Our Lady Blessington for children aged 5 to 10 years

Blessington Bingo Every Wednesday at 8.15 in the Avon (Avon Ri) Great Prizes, Extra Raffle Prizes Shuttle Bus €2 return. Jess: 086 860 2822 or Catherine 087 122 4019

Tai Chi Classes (in aid of the Coimin Centre) every Tuesday from 3pm to 4pm in HD Fitness (under the Lemon Tree). Suitable for all ages & levels of fitness, this is a gentle form of exercise which improves coordination, balance, joint mobility & core strength. We ask participants to make a €3 contribution for the Centre.

Lugnaquilla – Eamonn Murray Memorial Charity Walk on Sunday 23^rd June at 2pm Leaving from Fenton’s Bar at 2pm. Donations on the day please for St Brigid’s Hospice, The Curragh

The Coimín Greenway 5k. Register now to secure your place in the Coimín Greenway 5k on Sun 16^th June. Race is chip timed with cash prizes, there’ll be bespoke medals for all race participants. www.popupraces.ie/race/blessington-5k-family-fun-day/ Proudly sponsored by Kenny’s Supervalu Blessington & supported by Wicklow Leader Programme.

There is a new domestic violence outreach service in West Wicklow provided by Saoirse Women’s refuge in Tallaght. We can offer confidential appointments providing support to women suffering from domestic violence in the community, including Court Accompaniment. The drop in clinics take place every Monday 9:30am-11:30am Blessington Library, every Wednesday afternoon 2:30pm-4:30pm Seomra Imaal Hall Dunlavin and every Friday 9:30-11:30am The equestrian/The Lawlor centre Baltinglass. Call 085 271 0378 for an Appointment.

Sunday 26th May (+ every Last Sunday) SONGS & TUNES session, set up by local music lovers in Zellers, Lacken – a welcoming venue; 6pm to 9 or later. Free and just for fun – a friendly, inclusive gathering. Everyone invited – LISTENERS especially. All ages.  ANY song or acoustic tune or self-accompaniment. Pop in and check it out?  Join in IF you feel the urge!

Date For your Diary: Supper/Dance (Ballroom Of Romance) in Hollywood Centre on Saturday 20^th July. Food Served at 8pm. Dancing until Midnight, music by THE WICKLOW MAN.  Adm €20. Great night assured!!!

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wed from 2.15pm to 4.15pm. New members always welcome.

Cruthú Art Group has now reopened at Russborough for the Summer Season from 11am to 5pm on weekends & Bank Holidays.  We will also open Fridays & selected days later in Summer.  If you have any enquiries about our work, please email cruthuart@gmail.com Drop in anytime to view unique locally produced art & crafts. www.cruthu.ie

Blessington ‘Tots’ mini-rugby for boys & girls is at St Kevin’s Community Centre 11am outdoors each Saturday

A Beautiful Celebration of Music featuring emerging classical artists on Thursday 27^th June at 7.30pm in the Moat Theatre Naas 045 883 030. Tickets €10. Proudly supporting “Make a Wish” and “The Irish Cancer Society”

The 2019 Poetry Bus Tour … On Saturday June 8^th the Poetry Bus will depart Blessington Library at 10am with PoulaPoets & guest musician aboard for another magical mystery tour of poetic proportions, stopping at various top-secret locations around West Wicklow for readings & songs & chat & lunch (not provided), before returning to the library at 4pm for a cuppa. Bring your favourite poems for the open mic. Tickets (€5) available from Blessington library. Book now blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie or by phone on (045) 891 740

ECUMENICAL BIBLE WEEK Coimín Centre Blessington

“Always Be Ready to give an answer…… for the Hope that you Possess” (1 Peter 3:15)

Monday 10^th June 7.30pm to 9pm

Beatitudes: A Way of Life, a Way of Looking – Speaker: Seán Goan

Tuesday 11^th June 7.30pm to 9pm

Accounting for the Hope that is in us – Speaker: Nick Park

Wednesday 12^th June 7.30pm to 9pm

Luke’s Teaching on Prayer & the Lord’s Prayer – Speaker: Kieran O’Mahony

www.bibleweek.ie facebook.com/bibleweek Further Info from Blessington Parish Office 045 865 327

Animal Farm Family Fun Day – Monday 3^rd June from 2pm to 5pm. St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington. Fun for all the family. Meet the animals, Novelty Dog Show (enter on the day) FREE Pony Rides. Fresh Produce Refreshments. €10 per Family includes Tea/Coffee. The animal farm event is an important fundraiser for St. Mary’s Church. The team organising the event would be grateful for donations of any items that could be sold on a Bric-a-Brac Stall (nearly new items in good condition) items for the lucky dip and donations of cakes, tray bakes, jams, chutneys, plants etc for the Fresh Produce Stall. These items could be dropped to the hall during the morning of June 3^rd where they will be gratefully received in aid of St Mary’s Parish, Blessington.

St John the Baptist Church Cloughleagh Saturday 15^th June from 12 noon to 4pm

FETE & BARBEQUE – Gourmet Barbeque & Crepes, Cakes, Plants, Books, Crafts, Raffle, Kid’s Corner, Face Painting. Admission €5 including tea. Children Free. Come & Join the Fun in this beautiful location & enjoy lovely food, homemade goodies & excellent stalls. Contributions for the stalls will be gratefully received

Know the true value of time; seize and enjoy every minute.